Subscribe to my RSS Feeds

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

After the carnivorous meal at Jalan Bunga Raya, we (pathetically) tried to shave off the pounds and calories (as well as guilt!) by strolling around, amidst the rather sunny weather. Melaka is a small town, perfect for walking around leisurely, appreciating the nostalgic ambience of the classical town. Penang's Georgetown's the other classified World Heritage site, bearing a striking resemblance in terms of architecture and influences.

The battered and rebuilt fortress of A Famosa - THE epitome of Melaka

Random shots of the town and the river

This time around we skipped most of the tourist spots, as our main aim was to eat and shop. OK, more to the former than the latter. :)

The much-hyped about Nadeje Patisserie @ Plaza Mahkota

If you google Mille Crepe, either the name Nadeje, or Food Foundry (in Section 17, PJ) would appear. Mille Crepe is a type of French cake, made from many layers of crepe, intermittently spread with fresh cream, or any of the other flavours available.

At RM8.50 per piece, the slice of cake may look like nothing much, but the thin layers after layers of crepe, stacking atop one another, and manages to hold the cake in place was a rather astounding feat. Tastewise? The Original Mille Crepe tasted simple, fresh and clean, but lacking in terms of oomph. The Chocolate BananaMille Crepe had an awkward 'rum-like' flavour, which was not entirely bad, but the alcoholic nuance may be due to the (over)ripen bananas used. The other flavours include Strawberry, Cheese, Chocolate etc.

Location : NADEJE PATISSERIE @ G-23 & 25, Jalan PM4, Plaza Mahkota, 75000 Melaka. Tel No : 606-283 8750. Another branch in Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, which is situated on the other side of the main road. Got MAP !!!

Forms of transportation .... over the ages

After tea break, we walked some more, as driving around in Melaka requires much patience and self-control. So many one-way roads, plus the abundance of vehicles on the road, equals flaring tempers, honk-a-mania, and unleashing chapters after chapters of the almighty "3 Ji King" aka 3-Words-Bible.

Newton Hawker Centre on Jalan Mahkota, within the vicinity of Dataran Pahlawan

Passing by the rather newly-built Newton Hawker Centre (Perkampungan Makanan Tradisional Newton) on Jalan Merdeka, a short distance from Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall and Menara Taming Sari, we took a peek and found quite a number of stalls.

Naturally we were skeptical, memories of unpleasant experiences at such tourist-traps/food courts came washing over me. But the sight of the Popiah stall, manned by a rather, erm, "round" man caught my attention. Still remembered some popiah stall around Jalan Bunga Raya owned by a fat man that's supposed to be popular, because the incorporation of PORK LARD in the roll.

The Popiah and Chee Cheong Fun stalls, side by side in Newton

A roll at RM2.50, not cheap by hawker's standards. But bearable seeing the 'explicitly' renovated premise, exuding a very village-like atmosphere. The portion was rather generous, with lots of shredded yambeans, and those crunchy bits (or rather, chunks) of fried pork lards. But the Chee Cheong Fun (rolled rice noodles) was surprisingly, the better choice. Served with some curry, and shrimp paste, with fillings of prawns and char siew, the plate of CCF reminded me of Hong Kong CCF commonly served in dim sum outlets, albeit with a spicier and sweeter twist. Not bad. Only RM2.80 for a regular serving.

The relocated Eye On Malaysia

Menara Taming Sari - 360 degrees view of Melaka at RM20 per ride

(30% discount promotion available though)

Dataran Pahlawan Megamall on Jalan Merdeka

And Malaysian's favourite pastime (aside from eating!) ensued .... SHOPPING lor !!! (what else can girls do anyway?! =P) We guys went around in circles though, unsure of what's for dinner ....

hey we seem to be travelling to the same countries/ states recently eh? :p i used to enjoy this pork lard popiah outside the chicken rice ball shop, but he's not there went i went to melaka recently :(

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but what is the big deal with mille crepe!? I tried this one and the one at Food Foundry and frankly, it's just layers and layers of cream no? Now popiah with lard on the other hand...

sc : yeahlah! same places eh? so when coming Ipoh? hehe. the crispy pork lard really good eh? elevates the simple popiah to another level, like fried noodles.

Alex Yap : oh, you're from Melaka?! wow, so many places you know! thanks!!!! I only tried the durian cendol (which was not so good as I rmbred!), chicken rice balls, and pork satay. nyonya food I've had in Ole Sayang b4, but so-so. bird's nest?!!! wow.

Nic : I've never tasted Foundry's version, but this one not bad. though true as 550ml said, no big deal bout crepes and cream. but somehow a change from cheese cakes and such.

550ml jar of faith : I agree. no big deal. and at RM8.50, you get the feeling youre paying for its aesthetic value>ingredients and flavours.

aiyo i think i must have crawled out from a rock cos i didnt know the eye of malaysia was relocated to melaka?!

i havent tried either version of the crepe cake. only tried the one i bought from little penang :) but a whole crepe cake is now like rm68! guess we're really paying for the work that goes into making it.

I miss Malacca so so much.I was 14 the first time I stepped on Malacca soil. Stayed in Tg. Keling for a week at a relative's house so near a beach. Planning to go to Malacca again this year, hopefully. Gonna try this satay celup...and chicken rice ball...

mimid3vils : forgot whether that was available that evening. may try that the next visit. maybe in Dataran Pahlawan outlet, as the one in Plaza Mahkota a bit secluded and far to walk. =P

Alex yap : oh ic. agreed that Portuguese Settlement's ikan bakar not nice. we didnt even order that this time around, it's too bland. but the other seafood not bad. Umbai Malay ikan bakar I know, but it's a bit far, no? as for Satay Celup in Capitol, erm, the last time i went, the overwhelming feeling of 'jelak' after the meal rendered me phobic of satay celup since then. when every skewer's covered with satay sauce, it's a bit too much for me.

kampungboycitygal : din meet the lady boss though. but some foreign workers served us that day. i gotta jot down Umbai for next visit. :)

Ultimate Ipoh Food List

Searchin' for Something?

Who's Motormouth?

I hail from Ipoh, Perak with a strong desire to share the best of Malaysian food, and the endless chapters of my personal travel stories. Currently writes at www.j2kfm.com. And I am residing in KL/PJ now.